You’ve heard about seeing your dentist for routine check-ups every six months, but what about additional treatments? Sometimes, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits to address specific dental issues. These additional treatments often fall under the category of restorative dentistry. At Clearwater FL Dentistry, our goal is to help our patients regain optimal oral health and restore their smiles with advanced restorative care.

Restorative dentistry encompasses a variety of dental procedures aimed at bringing your oral health back to its best condition. These procedures address issues such as chipped or cracked teeth, cavities, discoloration, or missing teeth. If your teeth have been damaged due to trauma or developmental conditions, they may qualify for restorative treatments at our Clearwater FL Dentistry practice.

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Your Initial Assessment

In order to qualify for restorative care, your dentist will conduct an initial assessment. This will help you both understand the extent of the damage and the level of care that you will require. This visit will usually utilize a visual inspection, imaging like X-rays, and some mechanical evaluation to see how sound your teeth are.

Upon the completion of the assessment, your dentist can help to recommend a care plan specially tailored for you. If the damage is minor, your dentist may be able to complete the entire plan in that first visit, but typical plans take at least a few visits to finish.

The range of your needs can also vary widely. Some restorative dentistry will only require your dentist and their local office, while other procedures could include maxillofacial surgeons, endodontists or prosthodontists. The level of anesthesia required can also greatly vary.

Types of Restorative Dentistry

Depending on your needs, your dentist can suggest a variety of procedures. One of the most common restorative dentistry practices is fillings.

  • Dental fillings are one of the most common procedures in restorative dentistry. They help restore the integrity of a tooth by removing bacteria and decay. After removing the damaged portion of the tooth, your dentist will fill the hole to seal it and prevent further issues.
  • Veneers – Veneers are thin, custom-made porcelain layers applied to the front surface of teeth. They help conceal imperfections such as cracks, chips, or uneven teeth, revitalizing your smile with a natural appearance.
  • Crowns and Bridges – Crowns fully cover a tooth to provide protection and restore its function. They’re often placed after a root canal to protect the weakened tooth from further damage. Bridges are used to replace missing teeth, supported by crowns on either side of the gap, ensuring both function and aesthetics.
  • Implants – Dental implants offer a long-lasting solution for missing teeth. Unlike traditional prosthetics, implants are directly anchored into the bone, mimicking natural teeth in both appearance and function. They also preserve jawbone health, preventing bone loss.
  • Inlay – Inlays are used to restore damage on three sides of a tooth. They’re crafted to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth but can also be made from durable materials like gold for back teeth.
  • Onlays – Onlays, on the other hand, cover the chewing surface of molars, making them perfect for repairing larger areas subjected to greater stress.

Overview

Restorative dentistry is a wide branch of dentistry that can help to restore your teeth and smile to what it was before you experienced trauma or another type of developmental issue. If you think that any type of restorative dentistry could be an option for you, please contact our offices today to schedule your initial appointment and evaluation.

If you think restorative care might be right for you, contact Clearwater FL Dentistry today to schedule your initial appointment and evaluation. Let us take the first step toward bringing your smile back to life!

General Dentistry FAQs

Why should I go to the dentist regularly?

The reason for going to the dentist regularly is important so that your dentist may detect cavities or tooth decay in its early stage.

How often should I visit the dentist?

At Andrew J. Holloman, DDS & Associates, we recommend that you visit and have a regular dental checkup every six months. For those with dental issues, rule of thumb is every 3-4 months.

Why are Dental X-Rays needed?

Dental X-Rays are a must because it’s a great diagnostic tool that can help your dentist see any damage or disease that is not visible to the naked eye.

Why should I floss, isn't brushing enough?

Flossing contributes to good dental hygiene. It is an excellent way to clean your teeth, remove dental plaque, and prevent cavities together with brushing your teeth.

How can I prevent cavities?

Good oral and dental hygiene can help you avoid cavities and tooth decay. Here are some tips which can help you prevent them:

✓ Ask about antibacterial treatments
✓ Avoid frequent snacking and sipping
✓ Brush with fluoride toothpaste after eating or drinking
✓ Consider dental sealants
✓ Consider fluoride treatments
✓ Eat tooth-healthy foods
✓ Rinse your mouth with mouthwash
✓ Visit Andrew J. Holloman, DDS & Associates regularly

What is fluoride and why is it important to dental health?

Fluoride is an important part to include in your oral and dental health as it prevents cavities and strengthens enamel.

How often should I brush and floss my teeth?

We recommend you to brush your teeth twice a day for about 2 minutes with a fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day before or after you brush.

Can tooth decay be reversed?

It is only reversible when it affects the enamel of the tooth. Once decay progresses, it is physically impossible to reverse a tooth decay. It’s important to have your dentist spot the decay in its very early stages to avoid the drill.

Do I need to fix my chipped tooth?

Yes, you should plan to have your tooth repaired especially if it’s chipped. A chipped tooth equals a significant loss of tooth structure and can contribute to new chips in the future.

What are the most common procedures done by a general dentist?

Patients have to visit their dentists for all sorts of reasons. Here are common procedures done by a general dentist:

✓ Bonding
✓ Braces
✓ Crowns
✓ Dentures
✓ Extraction
✓ Fillings
✓ Invisalign
✓ Root Canal
✓ Teeth cleanings
✓ Teeth whitening
✓ Veneers